TACKLING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Aerobics, strength training and isometric exercises can help manage hypertension if done safely

- Akshita Nanda Correspondent

Madam Low, a 55-year-old freelance IT professional, was concerned that her blood pressure was sometimes higher than normal.

So, she signed up in September for a six-session programme which would teach her how to manage blood pressure with exercise.

Manage Hypertension With Exercise is run by nationwide health and wellness initiative Active Health, which is under sports body Sport Singapore. It costs $48 for six sessions and was started in 2022.

In 2025, about 500 people have signed up for it from January to September.

Madam Low, who wants to be known only by her surname, tells The Straits Times that her blood pressure is mostly normal readings of below or around 120mmHg systolic and 80mmHg diastolic. Recently, however, the doctor has sometimes recorded higher readings of about 140/90.

"I don't know if it's because I didn't sleep well the previous night or I was nervous when my blood pressure was checked," she says. "I'm curious what the effect of exercise will be on my blood pressure."

Blood pressure refers to the pressure at which blood is pumped around the body. High blood pressure can, over time, damage blood vessels and organs, as well as increase one's risk for strokes, cardiac events and dementia.

Doctors and healthcare professionals say exercise is a key pillar of blood pressure management, but that many with high blood pressure may not know how to exercise safely or at what intensity.

Blood pressure rises during exercise and can fall afterwards, which means that people with hypertension need to monitor their condition.

Before joining the Active Health programme, participants have to do a survey, listing their health conditions and medications.

They check their blood pressure before the coaching session starts and wear a fitness watch to monitor their heart rate during the session.